http://info.airstream.com/stories/RSS feeds for 60http://info.airstream.com/stories/bid/345589/Cooking-Up-Adventure#Comments0Cooking Up Adventurehttp://info.airstream.com/stories/bid/345589/Cooking-Up-Adventure<img id="img-1400161435181" src="http://info.airstream.com/Portals/148654/images/5-15_blog.png" border="0" alt="wally-byam-fire" class="alignRight" style="float: right;">
<p class="p1">Grub?&nbsp;</p>
<p class="p1">Grub is a word from the 19th century that means <em>gourmet,&nbsp;</em>not a small little worm or a prospector wanting a grub stake to search for gold. Grub is normally reserved and associated with beans, salt pork and hardtack. &nbsp;</p>
<p class="p1">Grub was Wally's word for a meal, going shopping for food, or even going to a night club for dinner and entertainment. More than once during a Caravan potluck, Wally thanked the ladies for the wonderful grub.</p>
<p class="p1">Wally once herded his grandfather’s sheep for a full summer. There is no doubt that outdoor cooking became a part of Wally’s life during this period.</p>
<p class="p1">In the early 1930's, Wally went camping with friends and family in Del Mar, California. He provided Airstream Torpedos and tents for the gathering. He was a great host - he also provided the meals (or, as he said, the grub). Back then Dutch ovens were used and today it is still all the rage in the Airstream world at events.</p>
<p class="p1">Wally wrote about five personal memories. One of them is a one-line incomplete sentence without an explanation. He wrote, <em>hunting bear with father.</em></p>
<p class="p1">There's no doubt that his familiarity with cooking led to outfitting Airstreams with cooking areas, scaled down, but that enable Airstreamers to prepared even the finest meals.</p>
<p class="p1">While the Second World War was raging, Wally worked at Lockheed Martin in Burbank, California. He also looked forward to opening a camping outfitters store, an extensive camping mail order catalog, and to write the consummate book on camping, and hiking.&nbsp;</p>
<p class="p1">From his notebooks I have extracted only two cooking instructions that Wally believed to be helpful to campers. There is no doubt that Wally understood cooking.</p>
<p class="p2">The first:<em> Ground dates are cheap and good sweetening for apple sauce. (Would like to try some.)</em></p>
<p class="p2">And the second:<em> Might be a swell idea to mix dehydrated vegetables, potatoes, a little soybean flower, dry milk and chopped dried beef (pemmican) to mix with and stew up for a one dish meal. (Excellent!)</em></p>
<p class="p2">And another non-cooking insight:&nbsp;<em>Bell for burro at night is a safety measure. (You betcha!)</em></p>
<p class="p1">Though the last comment is not cooking it does deal with camping. <a href="http://info.airstream.com/stories/bid/330111/Wally-and-His-Burros-Pike-and-Jenny" title="Wally had two burros," target="_blank">Wally had two burros,</a> so it made sense to protect them.&nbsp; It would be many years before the movie <em>Fargo</em>&nbsp;was released, but you just have to love Wally using the colloquialism <em>you betcha.</em></p>
<p class="p1">In the mid-1950’s Stella Byam wrote to Helen Byam Schwamborn, "Did you know Wally has a recipe for Sourdough Bread?"</p>
<p class="p1">I don’t think anyone who knew Wally was ever surprised to his knowledge.&nbsp; He truly had his "bases covered," his "ducks lined up in a row," and a "full deck of cards."</p>
<p class="p1">Today, Airstream keeps up with our need to cook meals. When microwaves became practical in size and utility, Airstream added them to the galley. Whether you're in Africa, Alaska, or visiting Glacier National Park, you can create a five-star meal served with memories and enjoyment that are afforded as your travel with your Airstream.</p>
<img src="http://track.hubspot.com/__ptq.gif?a=148654&k=14&bu=http://info.airstream.com/stories/&r=http://info.airstream.com/stories/bid/345589/Cooking-Up-Adventure&bvt=rss">Thu, 15 May 2014 13:00:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:345589http://info.airstream.com/stories/bid/344601/Airstream-at-the-Greatest-Spectacle-s-in-Racing#Comments0Airstream at the Greatest Spectacle(s) in Racinghttp://info.airstream.com/stories/bid/344601/Airstream-at-the-Greatest-Spectacle-s-in-Racing<img src="http://info.airstream.com/Portals/148654/images/5-8_kentuckyderby-blog.png" border="0" alt="kentucky-derby" class="alignRight" style="float: right;">
<p class="p1">The 140<sup>th</sup> Kentucky Derby has just concluded, with California Chrome winning. My thoughts go back to my Airstream memories of 1957. Airstream Trailers, Inc. offered their first domestic Wally Byam Caravan, the Kentucky Derby/Indianapolis 500 Caravan, taking in the some very beautiful and historic areas, and adding two premier sporting events.</p>
<p class="p2">For Wally Byam, it was the introduction for "Stella's Gold Airstream" designed by Stella in Europe as her dream Airstream. Wally displayed "her Airstream" to the world as an entry in the Kentucky Derby parade. The real grandstand for the Gold Airstream occurs on the Airstream Wally Byam African Caravan.</p>
<p class="p2">The Caravan is watching the race and at the finish line Bill Shoemaker pulls up early on Gallant Man, a misjudgment on the location for the finish line, and Iron Liege wins the 83<sup>rd</sup> Kentucky Derby.</p>
<p class="p2">On May 30<sup>th</sup> the Caravanners watched Sam Hanks win the 500. He led for 136 laps - not bad, considering the race is 200 laps!</p>
<p class="p2">I personally touched history after today’s Kentucky Derby. I went to my bookcase and pulled down two glasses. They belonged to my mother, Helen Byam Schwamborn. The one from the Kentucky Derby served her a traditional "Mint Julep" and for the Indianapolis 500, a glass with unknown content.</p>
<p class="p2">You can imagine the goosebumps and chills when the Caravanners listened to "My Old Kentucky Home" at the Derby and "Back Home Again in Indiana" at the 500. These are the traditional pre-race songs.</p>
<p class="p2">For those that can find an old copy of "the Caravanner," Airstream’s newspaper in the day, look for Volume 4, Issue 2 from August 1957. It has a great story about their wonderful All-American Caravan written by Helen Byam Schwamborn. It also mentioned Caravans that never took place, specifically South America.&nbsp; &nbsp;</p>
<p class="p2">The second Airstream All-American Caravan traveled the Oregon Trail headed up by Andy Charles, President for the Jackson Center Airstream plant. The Caravan is held in the summer of 1957 retracing the pioneers' early Western migration.&nbsp;</p>
<p class="p2">Louis Mousley, seasoned Airstreamer, Caravanner, and wagon boss, provided his knowledge and skills as a wagon boss for the Derby/500 Caravan. Louis again reprised this position on the 1959 African Caravan.</p>
<p class="p2">While in Louisville, Kentucky the Reynolds Aluminum Company had pictures taken and a story written about Wally Byam, the Caravan and the Gold Airstream. It appeared in their 1957 company magazine.</p>
<img src="http://track.hubspot.com/__ptq.gif?a=148654&k=14&bu=http://info.airstream.com/stories/&r=http://info.airstream.com/stories/bid/344601/Airstream-at-the-Greatest-Spectacle-s-in-Racing&bvt=rss">Thu, 08 May 2014 11:00:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:344601http://info.airstream.com/stories/bid/343628/The-Blue-Beret-and-Airstream-Goodwill#Comments0The Blue Beret and Airstream Goodwillhttp://info.airstream.com/stories/bid/343628/The-Blue-Beret-and-Airstream-Goodwill<img src="http://info.airstream.com/Portals/148654/images/5-1_mexico_blog.png" border="0" alt="airstream-mexico" class="alignRight" style="float: right;">
<p class="p1">Why did Wally Byam get involved with head coverings?</p>
<p class="p1">In 1948 he and Cornelius Vanderbilt, Jr. toured Western Europe. On that trip, Wally was introduced to the beret. He found it covered his head, kept it warm and could be folded up and stuck in his pocket. Very simply, he found it to be practical and convenient.</p>
<p class="p1">The beret became part of the Byam persona. Friends, Caravanners and Airstreamers followed suit and adopted the “Blue Beret” as a tribute to Wally.</p>
<p class="p1">On Airstream Caravans, the beret announced to local citizens that the Caravanners were an American group traveling through their town as friends and ambassadors of goodwill.&nbsp;</p>
<p class="p1">Wally always made it a point to take a blue beret from his pocket and gently but firmly put it on an official’s heads when introducing them to the Caravanners. These gestures made so many dignitaries feel like a part of this American contingent, which opened even more avenues to the group.</p>
<p class="p1">Above, the mayor in one Mexican town shares a soft drink with Helen Byam Schwamborn, Wally, and Stella Byam. Wally performed his induction into the Caravan with the mayor by placing the blue beret on his head. The mayor, in turn, has made Wally a citizen in his city with a traditional Mexican sombrero.</p>
<p class="p1">There is no doubt when Caravanners went shopping the local merchants were well aware that an Airstream Caravan meant an increase in revenue. For the local citizens, they were meeting new and gracious friends wearing blue berets.</p>
<p class="p1">Times change and the blue beret is worn by very few today.&nbsp; But Airstreaming continues on with the same noble attributes steeped in friendship, and merchants always invite Caravanners to shop locally.</p>
<p class="p2">Airstreamers don’t wear bird nests, but they certainly have accumulated flamingo flocks to represent the recognizable change that has evolved.</p>
<img src="http://track.hubspot.com/__ptq.gif?a=148654&k=14&bu=http://info.airstream.com/stories/&r=http://info.airstream.com/stories/bid/343628/The-Blue-Beret-and-Airstream-Goodwill&bvt=rss">Thu, 01 May 2014 12:00:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:343628http://info.airstream.com/stories/bid/341532/Roaring-Lions-in-the-Night-Kruger-National-Park#Comments0Roaring Lions in the Night: Kruger National Parkhttp://info.airstream.com/stories/bid/341532/Roaring-Lions-in-the-Night-Kruger-National-Park<p><em>This article is a continuation of&nbsp;<a href="http://info.airstream.com/stories/bid/341531/Exiled-Napoleon-and-Old-Johnathan" title="the previous Airstream Caravan journal" target="_blank">the previous Airstream Caravan journal</a>, published on April 17.</em></p>
<p><img src="http://info.airstream.com/Portals/148654/images/4-24_baboon-blog.jpg" border="0" alt="baboon" class="alignRight" style="float: right;">What is the main attraction in Africa, south of the Sahara Desert?</p>
<p>Animals!</p>
<p>The land of Africa is one with nature, and the animals roam the Earth freely, with grace.&nbsp;</p>
<p>It is possible to account for almost every animal you might find in a zoo in sub-equatorial Africa. With animal abundance and economic hardships there are poachers harvesting animals at an alarming rate. Trophy hunters are rapidly losing their respect in their hunting and killing African game. This comment is a red flag, making you aware that times are changing in Africa.</p>
<p>Nick Charles and I left early from Pretoria, South Africa heading for Kruger National Park. We set up several campsites on our way to the park.</p>
<p>We reached Kruger after admittance hours and found it necessary to park alongside the road for the evening, near the main gate.</p>
<p>During the night, at unscheduled intervals, we heard chilling sounds: lions roaring. The roar of an adult male lion can project for over five miles. There is no doubt that the reverberation produced by a lion not only keeps you not just awake, but alert to pending danger. There is no danger in Kruger, where they are on the other side of a fence...or is it possible they roam along both sides of the fence?</p>
<p>We woke up early in the morning to a wonderful sunny day and several native youths outside the Scout truck.&nbsp;</p>
<p>In Johannesburg, I purchased a battery-operated record player. It came in handy many times throughout our trip. In this case, it was taken from the truck and a Louis Prima record with upbeat, uptempo sounds and great drumming that entertained the youngsters. Music is an international language when you don’t speak a local dialect.</p>
<p>Kruger National Park is everything that the travel brochures tout. Lions, elephants, crocodiles, hippopotamus, antelope, giraffes, zebra and more.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Immediately upon entering the park and stopping at the park headquarters, a baboon jumped on the truck’s hood. They are dangerous animals. I once heard a story of a baboon group that killed a leopard, and in the park they have actually abducted a small child.</p>
<p>After a half-century, the lions roaring still bristles the hair on my arms. In life, some memories never leave your senses.</p>
<img src="http://track.hubspot.com/__ptq.gif?a=148654&k=14&bu=http://info.airstream.com/stories/&r=http://info.airstream.com/stories/bid/341532/Roaring-Lions-in-the-Night-Kruger-National-Park&bvt=rss">Thu, 24 Apr 2014 12:00:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:341532http://info.airstream.com/stories/bid/341531/Exiled-Napoleon-and-Old-Johnathan#Comments0Exiled Napoleon and Old Johnathanhttp://info.airstream.com/stories/bid/341531/Exiled-Napoleon-and-Old-Johnathan<p><em>This article is a continuation of <a href="http://info.airstream.com/stories/bid/340317/The-African-Adventure-from-New-York-to-Cape-Town" title="the previous Airstream Caravan journal" target="_blank">the previous Airstream Caravan journal</a>, published on April 10.</em></p>
<p><img src="http://info.airstream.com/Portals/148654/images/4-17_oldjohnathan-blog.png" border="0" alt="oldjohnathan" class="alignRight" style="float: right;">When we left the New York docks, we were thinking about the African Caravan, and not landing on St. Helena. We were able to go ashore and spend several hours roaming the small rocky island certainly a travel gift.</p>
<p>This is the story of Old Johnathan, a two hundred year old land tortoise, and the exiled despot Napoleon Bonaparte.</p>
<p>The British determined that Napoleon would never return to Europe sailed him to St. Helena, an island so remote that his return to France was impossible.</p>
<p>This quotation from a timeline is a graphic picture telling about the life-obscure for Napoleon.</p>
<pre>“But no amount of forced occupation could hide the desolation of his position.&nbsp;The island of St. Helena is a mass of jagged, gloomy rocks; the nearest land is six hundred miles away. Isolated and inaccessible as it is, the English placed Napoleon in its most somber and remote part – a place called Longwood, at the summit of a mountain, and to the windward. The houses of Longwood were damp and unhealthy.&nbsp;There was no shade.&nbsp;Water had to be carried some three miles.”</pre>
<p>Napoleon's final home was Longwood, a stark reminder that his isolation was irreversible. Two items that were interesting was a very old globe turned to the African continent. The African continent is marked as 70% unknown. Now our Caravan was on its way to areas only explored during the last 145 years.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The other item that had a lasting memory was his death mask, a somber reminder than even Napoleon was mortal. His death became history alongside the destruction he caused in Europe.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Nearby Longwood, we visited Old Johnathan. This ancient tortoise lived on St. Helena before Napoleon’s arrival and outlived him. Mute to the past, this living creature co-existed with the "emperor" and frequently saw him during his exile. Amazing!</p>
<p>You measure suffering in wartime with the dead and missing. Inclusive numbers counting both military and civilian, the Napoleonic Wars tallied over 3,500,000.</p>
<p>Visiting St. Helena, a remote infrequently visited island, is that once-in-a-lifetime event. Each Caravanner left the island grateful for the experience and opportunity to visit the island, the tortoise and understand Bonaparte’s last days.&nbsp;</p>
<img src="http://track.hubspot.com/__ptq.gif?a=148654&k=14&bu=http://info.airstream.com/stories/&r=http://info.airstream.com/stories/bid/341531/Exiled-Napoleon-and-Old-Johnathan&bvt=rss">Thu, 17 Apr 2014 12:00:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:341531http://info.airstream.com/stories/bid/340317/The-African-Adventure-from-New-York-to-Cape-Town#Comments0The African Adventure: from New York to Cape Townhttp://info.airstream.com/stories/bid/340317/The-African-Adventure-from-New-York-to-Cape-Town<img id="img-1395684798652" src="http://info.airstream.com/Portals/148654/images/4-3_group_blog.png" border="0" alt="airstreamcaravan" class="alignRight" style="float: right;">
<p class="p1">We were journeying to the most formidable continent on Earth. A place of beauty, culture, and history.&nbsp;</p>
<p class="p1">Distances play a very important part in the story surrounding the Airstream Wally Byam African Caravan.</p>
<p class="p1">A straight-line distance from New York to Cape Town is 7,800 miles. With our two island stops, the mileage was probably a few hundred miles longer.</p>
<p class="p1">The Airstreams and tow vehicles went by sea from North America to Cape Town. A few Caravanners, including Wally and Stella, flew to Cape Town.</p>
<p class="p1">I sailed on the African Enterprise, owned by the Farrell Lines. Eighteen days sailing the Atlantic Ocean from north to south, experiencing food fit for royalty. Seeing the Southern Lights for the first time, crossing the equator, and watching with amazement when sink water changed from clockwise to counter clockwise.</p>
<p class="p1">Caravanners made up one-third of the passenger roster. This gave us the opportunity to get to know each other and to talk about the adventures ahead.</p>
<p class="p1">My cabin housed three people including myself, Dale "Pee Wee" Schwamborn, age 20 and lead scout. I lived with Bob Nolte from Montana, 18 years old and traveling with his grandparents, as well as Nick Charles, the 17-year-old son of Andy Charles, who was at that time President of Airstream in Jackson Center, Ohio.</p>
<p class="p1">While I can't give away too many details, you must understand: confined for over two weeks, three young men can find many ways to entertain themselves.</p>
<p class="p1">Here is an example. There were two daughters traveling with their parents to South Africa. The father had accepted a professorial position at the University of Stellenbosch. We made a stop to unload needed materials at Ascension Island. I then convinced the two young ladies that Ascension Island was built and secured on pontoons. It was created during the Second World War with a combined effort between the United States and the United Kingdom. This misinformation lasted only a few days until the father set the record straight.</p>
<p class="p1">The Cape Rollers is the meeting of the Atlantic Ocean and Indian Ocean converging upon each other. This is a phenomenon introducing ship passengers to leaving one ocean to the other as they approach Cape Town.</p>
<p class="p1">Your ship begins contorting up and down, and around all at the same time. It lasts for only a short period, but has the roughness to wake you up. &nbsp;</p>
<p class="p1">At last the African Enterprise had reached Cape Town. &nbsp;</p>
<img src="http://track.hubspot.com/__ptq.gif?a=148654&k=14&bu=http://info.airstream.com/stories/&r=http://info.airstream.com/stories/bid/340317/The-African-Adventure-from-New-York-to-Cape-Town&bvt=rss">Thu, 10 Apr 2014 12:00:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:340317http://info.airstream.com/stories/bid/341830/Need-we-say-more-the-Eddie-Bauers#Comments0Need we say more? – the Eddie Bauershttp://info.airstream.com/stories/bid/341830/Need-we-say-more-the-Eddie-Bauers<p><img id="img-1396896669522" src="http://info.airstream.com/Portals/148654/images/eddie_bauer_27fb_screen_open_medium_web.jpg" border="0" alt="Eddie Bauer 27FB Screen Open Medium Web" width="333" height="414" class="alignRight" style="height: 414px; width: 333px; float: right;">The dreams of two iconic entrepreneurs, Wally Byam and Eddie Bauer, endure in this versatile Airstream. Open air enthusiasts, outdoors-men, -women, and nature lovers are all smitten with our Eddie Bauers.</p>
<p>Our most versatile Airstream, an Eddie Bauer converts to a multitude of different floorplans <em>all on one chassis</em>. Fold-away seating allows for an amazing amount of added space for oversized gear like kayaks, bicycles, and fishing paraphernalia. Available in two lengths, the functional designs let you enjoy the outdoors all day and return to camp with no worries. Ample storage space and clean-ability allow you to enjoy your down time in a screened-in environment safe from bugs and curious nocturnal creatures.</p>
<p>Not a nature lover? No problem. All the amenities of our full-line trailers are available in the Eddie Bauer. Practice yoga, read a book, get a shower, prepare a meal, or, load-up, hook-up and go to the next vista in no time.</p>
<img src="http://track.hubspot.com/__ptq.gif?a=148654&k=14&bu=http://info.airstream.com/stories/&r=http://info.airstream.com/stories/bid/341830/Need-we-say-more-the-Eddie-Bauers&bvt=rss">Mon, 07 Apr 2014 18:44:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:341830http://info.airstream.com/stories/bid/340315/Wally-and-His-Majesty-the-Ethiopian-King#Comments0Wally and His Majesty the Ethiopian Kinghttp://info.airstream.com/stories/bid/340315/Wally-and-His-Majesty-the-Ethiopian-King<img src="http://info.airstream.com/Portals/148654/images/3-27_Ethiopia_blog.jpg" border="0" alt="airstream_ethiopia" class="alignRight" style="float: right;">
<p class="p1">Imagine this: the Airstream Wally Byam African Caravan in Ethiopia. It's 1959 and His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie I, Conquering Lion of the Tribe of Judah, King of Kings of Ethiopia, Elect of God is with Wally Byam, Founder of Airstream. The two are walking the Caravan's campground together.</p>
<p class="p1">Earlier that week, the Caravan was hosted by His Imperial Majesty in his palace. Each member of the Caravan shook hands with Haile Selassie, who spoke through a translator with the adults and spoke to the children in English,</p>
<p class="p1">The Caravan parked at the prestigious Royal Race track grounds. We enjoyed a beautiful manicured area, in a relaxing surrounding. &nbsp;Every day just after sunrise, the Royal Palace guards walked the palace lions on sturdy chains through the racetrack grounds.</p>
<p class="p1">At night, our campsite erupted with the sounds of hyenas laughing and fighting as they scavenged our large garbage pit.</p>
<p class="p1">For readers that have studied history (or that lived through these events), the invasion of Ethiopia by Benito Mussolini made our journey through this mountain nation a reality check about the horrors inflicted on the people.</p>
<p class="p1">Newspaper headlines covered the June 30, 1936 speech by Haile Selassie to the League of Nations in Geneva, Switzerland. The highlight from his speech was at the very end when His Majesty said, "It is us today. It will be you tomorrow." &nbsp;How prophetic.&nbsp;</p>
<p class="p1">Ethiopia was invaded by Italy on October 3, 1935. The Ethiopian Army, ill-trained and poorly equipped, faced the Italian Army that was well-trained, equipped with better arms, and possessed superior tactical skills.</p>
<p class="p1">The war ended in May 1936.</p>
<p class="p1">Shocking news came from the battlefields that the Italians employed poison gases to subdue and kill Ethiopians. After poison gases were prohibited after the First World War, their use was universally condemned, as was the invasion.&nbsp;</p>
<p class="p1">The truth was very clear that sanctions on Italy were ineffective. The League of Nations showed that they had an inherent weakness politically and were incapable to stand up and protect Ethiopia and any other nation.&nbsp;</p>
<p class="p1">And yet, I look back at my wonderful experience in our journey through Africa to travel through Ethiopia, and meeting His Majesty Haile Selassie, with fondness. They were a kind and hospitable people, still welcoming 20 years after such a horrible turn of events.</p>
<p class="p1">Wally Byam opened the doors for so many wonderful experiences. Looking back, it was amazing that one company, Airstream, and one man, Wally Byam, made all of this happen.&nbsp; Thank you Airstream. Thank you Wally.</p>
<img src="http://track.hubspot.com/__ptq.gif?a=148654&k=14&bu=http://info.airstream.com/stories/&r=http://info.airstream.com/stories/bid/340315/Wally-and-His-Majesty-the-Ethiopian-King&bvt=rss">Thu, 27 Mar 2014 11:00:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:340315http://info.airstream.com/stories/bid/335763/A-Land-Yacht-not-just-by-name#Comments0A Land Yacht, not just by namehttp://info.airstream.com/stories/bid/335763/A-Land-Yacht-not-just-by-name<p><em><img src="http://info.airstream.com/Portals/148654/images/1958.jpg" border="0" alt="1958" class="alignRight" style="float: right;">“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”</em>&nbsp;</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">-Mark Twain</p>
<p>Airstream over the years has used plenty of nautical names in our product lines. A few include Clipper, Land Yacht, Liner, Caravel, Trade Wind, and Flying Cloud. Even the interior structure walls are fashioned after bulkheads.</p>
<p>As a young man, Wally Byam was drawn to the seas. In joining the Seaman’s Union, he sailed the South Seas. </p>
<p>Tahiti in Wally’s first visit wass a tropical, uncultivated, natural paradise. <span>Wally had fond memories from his youth and his first visit to Tahiti.&nbsp;</span>Memories that he shared with others.</p>
<p>Prior to the 1959 Airstream Wally Byam African Caravan, he and his wife Stella sailed for Tahiti. Unlike today where there is jet service to the Polynesian Paradise, in 1958 Tahiti remained very similar to the first time Wally visited the islands.</p>
<p>This 1958 trip gave Wally a well-deserved vacation, prior to going to Africa.</p>
<p>Airstream’s benefits from Wally’s love in seafaring are many. Sleek construction parallel to the finest yachts, compactness utilizing every nook and cranny for comfortable living and storage. </p>
<p>Truly, Airstream is a Land Yacht. Yachts sail the oceans and Airstreams journey on the world’s byways and back roads.</p>
<p>Aloha!</p>
<img src="http://track.hubspot.com/__ptq.gif?a=148654&k=14&bu=http://info.airstream.com/stories/&r=http://info.airstream.com/stories/bid/335763/A-Land-Yacht-not-just-by-name&bvt=rss">Thu, 20 Mar 2014 12:00:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:335763http://info.airstream.com/stories/bid/339370/Airstream-Interstate-1-Selling-Type-B-Motorhome#Comments0Airstream Interstate: #1 Selling Type B Motorhomehttp://info.airstream.com/stories/bid/339370/Airstream-Interstate-1-Selling-Type-B-Motorhome<div class="page" title="Page 1">
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<p><em>Have you ever experienced the Airstream Interstate? Well, we recently announced that our Interstate is the&nbsp;#1 selling Type B motorhome in the U.S. for the third year in a row, according to Statistical Surveys Inc. We're honored to receive this title and couldn't do it without your help! Check out the details below to learn more about the Interstate and this award.</em></p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.airstream.com/touring-coaches/interstates/" title="AIRSTREAM INTERSTATE" target="_blank">AIRSTREAM INTERSTATE</a> REMAINS TOP SELLING TYPE B MOTORHOME MODEL FOR THIRD YEAR IN A ROW </strong></p>
<p><span>Jackson Center, Ohio (February 19, 2013) – </span><span>Airstream </span><span>announced today the brand’s popular Interstate is the #1 selling Type B motorhome in the U.S. for the third year in a row, according to Statistical Surveys Inc., the premier provider of RV market intelligence. In 2013, Airstream Interstate unit sales increased 48 percent over 2012 – nearly three times the overall segment growth which was up 15.9 percent year over year. The Interstate now has nearly 23 percent market share in the touring coach segment. </span></p>
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<p><span>“The momentum we gained in 2011 and 2012 has carried us for another year,” said Airstream CEO and President Bob Wheeler. “To keep things rolling, we unveiled a new Interstate model at the end of 2013 in an effort to enhance the product and experience for our buyers. We think these changes will only magnify interest as we move into 2014.” </span></p>
<p><span>The Airstream Interstate motorhome continues the tradition of extraordinary design and handcrafted quality that has made Airstream a style classic for 82 years. It serves as a fuel-efficient, luxurious and safe way for travelers to explore the open road and includes nearly two dozen “Best in Class” Mercedes- Benz features, enhancements and a renewed commitment to safety and refined luxury. The Interstate has a MSRP of $146,300, and $149,006 for the EXT model. </span></p>
<p><span>“Our dealers are also very instrumental to the success of the Interstate, and we appreciate their hard work over the last three years in helping Airstream maintain the top retail spot for B Vans,” said Wheeler </span></p>
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<p><span>Airstream had a record-setting 2013, making it the best-selling year in the company’s 82-year history. The demand for Airstream’s design-driven products led to the company’s largest backlog in more than 30 years. </span></p>
<p><span>For more information on the Airstream Interstate visit </span><span><a href="http://www.airstream.com/touring-coaches/interstates/" title="http://www.airstream.com/" target="_self">http://www.airstream.com/</a></span><span>.&nbsp;</span></p>
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<img src="http://track.hubspot.com/__ptq.gif?a=148654&k=14&bu=http://info.airstream.com/stories/&r=http://info.airstream.com/stories/bid/339370/Airstream-Interstate-1-Selling-Type-B-Motorhome&bvt=rss">Fri, 14 Mar 2014 16:11:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:339370http://info.airstream.com/stories/bid/335761/A-marriage-forged-in-Airstream#Comments0A marriage forged in Airstreamhttp://info.airstream.com/stories/bid/335761/A-marriage-forged-in-Airstream<img src="http://info.airstream.com/Portals/148654/images/1960.jpg" border="0" alt="1960" class="alignRight" style="float: right;">
<p>Love is in eternal bloom. In 1960, Wally Byam had a party to celebrate the marriage of Art and Toni. Somewhere on the African Caravan they fell in love and were married. Secretly! No one knew. So in Venice, Italy their marriage was announced, the Caravanners ga<span>thered to celebrate and Wally rented the wedding gondola.</span></p>
<p>Art was the mechanic and caboose on the 1959 Airstream Wally Byam African Caravan. He assisted in dozens and dozens of International Harvester mechanical failures, and Airstream repairs. His friendship with Wally and Stella Byam began years before. Art had worked at the Santa Fe Springs, CA factory. His competence and work ethic caught Wally’s eye.</p>
<p>Toni’s father, Tony, was a member of a minor league hockey team. So she and her parents and younger brother became Caravanners in 1959 on the African Caravan.</p>
<p>Wally had limited the Airstream length on the Caravan to 26 feet. I have no idea the promises and cajoling made by Tony that caused Wally to make an exception. So the Caravan now had its only 30 foot Airstream.</p>
<p>In the Belgian Congo Drum Hill almost ended the 30 footer’s journey. It was a hill from which<span>&nbsp;the natives played drums to signal oncoming traffic, very similar to flagmen in our construction zones.</span>&nbsp;The narrow, steep, dirt road had sheer drop-offs and when the right tandem wheel and tires began to slide over, Tony thought "kiss my Airstream goodbye." Skilled driving and towing avoided a catastrophic accident.</p>
<p>Toni’s parents are gone, but the marriage brought forth two sons. Toni and Art currently live in Texas.</p>
<p>The cliché is that you never know what will happen on an Airstream Wally Byam Caravan, and it's so spot on.&nbsp;Best wishes Art and Toni.</p>
<img src="http://track.hubspot.com/__ptq.gif?a=148654&k=14&bu=http://info.airstream.com/stories/&r=http://info.airstream.com/stories/bid/335761/A-marriage-forged-in-Airstream&bvt=rss">Thu, 13 Mar 2014 12:00:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:335761http://info.airstream.com/stories/bid/338965/Zen-like-the-Serenitys#Comments0Zen-like – the Serenityshttp://info.airstream.com/stories/bid/338965/Zen-like-the-Serenitys<p><em><img id="img-1394569888380" src="http://info.airstream.com/Portals/148654/images/international_serenity_27_mint_green_back_to_front_web.jpg" border="0" alt="International Serenity 27 Mint Green Back to Front Web" width="306" height="204" class="alignRight" style="float: right;">Zen-like</em> <em>– the</em> Serenitys</p>
<p>Ready to escape your own hustle and bustle? Make ready to consider our International Serenitys. With peace and tranquility in mind, these standouts offer calming colors and floorplans designed with efficiency in mind.</p>
<p>A place for everything, and everything in its place, Serenitys are loaded with plenty of storage so clutter is no issue. All components are tasteful and top-of-the line keeping your day-to-day travel worry free and aesthetically pleasing. Residential-style components like Corian<sup>®</sup> countertops, and high-end fixtures complement a variety of décor choices in this upscale trendsetter. Sleeping arrangements allow for up to 6, or, a simple floorplan choice allows for a lounge to be replaced with two recliners for couples.</p>
<p>Whether you’re cooking for friends in a state park or snowbirding toward your winter destination, know your retreat is ready when it’s time to relax.</p>
<img src="http://track.hubspot.com/__ptq.gif?a=148654&k=14&bu=http://info.airstream.com/stories/&r=http://info.airstream.com/stories/bid/338965/Zen-like-the-Serenitys&bvt=rss">Tue, 11 Mar 2014 20:28:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:338965http://info.airstream.com/stories/bid/338574/Go-with-the-Flow-Airstream-Aerodynamics#Comments0Go with the Flow: Airstream Aerodynamicshttp://info.airstream.com/stories/bid/338574/Go-with-the-Flow-Airstream-Aerodynamics<p>With Airstreams, you can go with the flow. Learn more about the aerodynamics of Airstreams with this great infographic.</p>
<p><img id="img-1394202198913" src="http://info.airstream.com/Portals/148654/images/airstream aerodyamics infographic.jpg" border="0" alt="describe the image" width="600" height="1964"></p>
<img src="http://track.hubspot.com/__ptq.gif?a=148654&k=14&bu=http://info.airstream.com/stories/&r=http://info.airstream.com/stories/bid/338574/Go-with-the-Flow-Airstream-Aerodynamics&bvt=rss">Fri, 07 Mar 2014 14:10:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:338574http://info.airstream.com/stories/bid/335740/Sharing-American-beauty-with-some-guests#Comments0Sharing American beauty with some guestshttp://info.airstream.com/stories/bid/335740/Sharing-American-beauty-with-some-guests<p><img src="http://info.airstream.com/Portals/148654/images/1967.jpg" border="0" alt="1967" class="alignRight" style="float: right;">The story doesn’t begin here at Dulles International Airport, located in Chantilly, Virginia. It begins in Los Angeles, California in 1962 after Wally Byam passed, when Stella Byam and Airstream executives had a meeting and set in motion the Wally Byam Foundation. The Foundation spanned 15 years from 1962 to 1977.</p>
<p>In 1967, a major event happened: Caravan America. Sponsored by the Wally Byam Foundation, a contingent of British Caravanners flew into Dulles. The group was going to travel across America from Chantilly, VA to Santa Rosa, CA. Airstream and General Motors furnished twenty rigs for the group to travel coast to coast. With the group was Mr. Frank Collins, not only their leader on this sojourn but also the president of the Caravan Club in the United Kingdom founded in 1907.</p>
<p>Assisting with this group were Wally Byam Caravan Club members. They familiarized the group with their rolling equipment and traveled with the group for a few days.</p>
<p>When the British group returned home from Santa Rosa a similar trailerist group came in from France and returned to the East Coast, retracing the British itinerary.</p>
<p>More groups and individuals were Foundation guests over the next ten years. The Foundation worked with the United States State Department to have returning Foreign Service officers use equipment to travel through various parts of the United States to familiarize them with the nation they were representing.</p>
<p>To understand the Wally Byam Foundation more, please read the following “Purpose” defining their mission.</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">“Purposes…to help achieve a greater knowledge of the daily life and cultures and of the history and the aspirations of peoples in our own country, in all the Americas, and around the world---and thus to enhance international understanding and goodwill…</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">To further the concept of travel by trailer as a unique and an increasingly rewarding medium for the advancement of such education and communication on a people-to-people, person-to-person, basis; and to that end, to encourage improvement in the environment in which such travel takes places both at home and abroad…</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">To help develop new areas in which older, retired, or senior citizens may continue to participate in travel and learning, and at the same time to exercise leadership and judgment so that all may share the accumulated wealth of experience and wisdom of maturity..</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">To broaden the opportunity for Americans continually to discover America in all its variety and wonder, so as to foster knowledge in depth of its people, its natural beauty, its culture, history and problems…</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">And to provide wider interest in, and give impetus to, tourism in the United States by citizens of other nations---thereby not only aiding in the spread of knowledge of America, but also to help toward reaching equilibrium in the important sector of the United States’ balance of international payments.”</p>
<p>The initial Board of Trustees:</p>
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<p>Cyril Bath, Industrialist</p>
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<p>Mrs. Stella Byam, Wally Byam’s Widow</p>
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<p>Mrs. C. B. Patterson, Editor of National Geographic&nbsp;</p>
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<p>Lowell Thomas Jr., Film and television Producer</p>
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<p>Glenn Bekins, Bekins Moving and Storage</p>
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<p>Robert Peterson, Syndicated Columnist “<em>Life After 40</em>”</p>
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<img src="http://track.hubspot.com/__ptq.gif?a=148654&k=14&bu=http://info.airstream.com/stories/&r=http://info.airstream.com/stories/bid/335740/Sharing-American-beauty-with-some-guests&bvt=rss">Thu, 06 Mar 2014 13:00:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:335740http://info.airstream.com/stories/bid/337928/Redefine-your-style-with-the-Signatures#Comments0Redefine your style with the Signatureshttp://info.airstream.com/stories/bid/337928/Redefine-your-style-with-the-Signatures<p><em><img id="img-1393865048281" src="http://info.airstream.com/Portals/148654/images/international_signature_series_23d_exterior_profile_web.jpg" border="0" alt="International Signature Series 23D Exterior Profile Web" width="364" height="184" class="alignRight" style="height: 184px; width: 364px; float: right;"></em>Redefine your style with the Signatures</p>
<p>Sign on to a Signature, and see why we call them the design leaders. Touting ample design options and quality features throughout, the Signatures include Ultraleather<sup>®</sup> seating, Corian<sup>®</sup> countertops, and LED lighting. From award-winning architect and designer Christopher C. Deam, the spatial efficiency of these units is built in to an aesthetically this pleasing decor. Enter and it’s immediately evident, this sleekly designed unit is simultaneously upscale and purposeful.</p>
<p>Meander backroads, utilize your mobile office, or slip effortlessly into your family reunion, all while making a statement in your Signature.</p>
<img src="http://track.hubspot.com/__ptq.gif?a=148654&k=14&bu=http://info.airstream.com/stories/&r=http://info.airstream.com/stories/bid/337928/Redefine-your-style-with-the-Signatures&bvt=rss">Mon, 03 Mar 2014 16:38:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:337928http://info.airstream.com/stories/bid/335732/Going-to-Africa-takes-planning-but-it-s-worth-it#Comments0Going to Africa takes planning - but it's worth ithttp://info.airstream.com/stories/bid/335732/Going-to-Africa-takes-planning-but-it-s-worth-it<p><img src="http://info.airstream.com/Portals/148654/images/1959.jpg" border="0" alt="1959" class="alignRight" style="float: right;">There are endless hours put into planning, executing, and getting on the road for an Airstream Wally Byam foreign Caravan.</p>
<p>Up until 1959 Caravans were mostly traveling through Mexico, Central America, Canada, and Europe. When Africa went into planning the details had to be meticulously crafted. Considerations were many dealing with nations, cultures, religions, roads, significant events, and planning for the unexpected. It was no easy task, considering they were traveling from the converging waters of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, to the Mediterranean Sea.</p>
<p>In 1959 the Shembe Festival was held near Durban, Natal, in the Union of South Africa. Wally Byam had it marked as one event not to miss during the Caravan's travels through South Africa.<br>The festival was named after a Zulu Prophet, Isaiah (Isaya) Shembe. It is a religious gathering, combining Zulu traditionalism and Christianity. </p>
<p>Wally Byam put on his pith helmet, grabbed his camera, and became a Caravanner for the day. <br>The dancing is traditional with lines of dancing Zulu maidens, and skin clothed Zulu warriors with shields and sticks. The sounds echoed with chants both ancient and modern. Rhythms were kept synched with drums and clicking sticks. </p>
<p>An event like this is always long in the planning, but makes for an everlasting memory.</p>
<img src="http://track.hubspot.com/__ptq.gif?a=148654&k=14&bu=http://info.airstream.com/stories/&r=http://info.airstream.com/stories/bid/335732/Going-to-Africa-takes-planning-but-it-s-worth-it&bvt=rss">Thu, 27 Feb 2014 13:00:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:335732http://info.airstream.com/stories/bid/335716/Airstream-the-Vanderbilts-and-politics#Comments0Airstream, the Vanderbilts, and politicshttp://info.airstream.com/stories/bid/335716/Airstream-the-Vanderbilts-and-politics<p><img src="http://info.airstream.com/Portals/148654/images/1952.jpg" border="0" alt="1952" class="alignRight" style="float: right;">In the early 1920’s, Wally Byam met Cornelius "Neil" Vanderbilt, Jr. for the first time. Their friendship would last for the rest of their lives.</p>
<p>In 1948 the two men toured a Europe still recovering from World War II with an Airstream. Vanderbilt, as a writer and ‘filmographer,’ recorded the aftermath of the war through journalistic eyes.</p>
<p>Wally and Neil designed the Commodore together. This state-of-the-art Airstream would then appear in Chicago during the Democratic and Republican Conventions of 1952.</p>
<p>It was party time, and it not for political parties - it was a time of entertainment and socializing with the elite. The bluebloods that only a Vanderbilt could invite. Wally must have been thrilled meeting the members of Neil’s social circle.</p>
<p>We all benefit from experience, and surely Wally got plenty of it in Chicago that year. There is no doubt that Wally acquired new skills in dealing with an elite segment in American society which would help him later.</p>
<img src="http://track.hubspot.com/__ptq.gif?a=148654&k=14&bu=http://info.airstream.com/stories/&r=http://info.airstream.com/stories/bid/335716/Airstream-the-Vanderbilts-and-politics&bvt=rss">Thu, 20 Feb 2014 13:00:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:335716http://info.airstream.com/stories/bid/336343/2013-A-Record-Year-for-Airstream#Comments52013: A Record Year for Airstreamhttp://info.airstream.com/stories/bid/336343/2013-A-Record-Year-for-Airstream<p align="center"><em>We just want to begin by saying a huge thank you to all of the 'Streamers and the Dreamers out there. This past year was one of incredible adventures, exploration, dreams and growth here at Airstream, and we couldn't have done it without you. You all are our community and our friends - the ones who make Airstream and "Live Riveted" what it is. We've enjoyed hearing about your travels and lifestyle on social media, <em>in person,</em>&nbsp;and throughout the nation.</em></p>
<p align="center"><em>In 2013, Airstream experienced incredible growth - all as a result of&nbsp;<em>your endless support</em>. From record sales, to a huge increase in conversations with you all on social media, this past year sure was one for the books. We can't want to see what is in store for 2014.</em></p>
<p align="center"><em>For the Dreamers, we hope this is your year! For the 'Streamers, keep sharing photos and stories of your adventures. And for everyone, keep on the #LiveRiveted life. There's no better way to live.</em></p>
<p align="center"><em>Share your experiences with us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/airstream" title="Facebook" target="_self">Facebook</a>, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/airstream_inc" title="Twitter" target="_blank">Twitter</a> and <a href="http://www.instagram.com/airstream_inc" title="Instagram" target="_blank">Instagram</a>&nbsp;and keep us updated using #LiveRiveted. More than anything, know how thankful we are for you traveling this road with us. Check out the update below for more details on our record-breaking year.</em></p>
<p align="center"><b>AIRSTREAM REPORTS RECORD 2013 SALES</b><b>&nbsp;</b></p>
<p align="center"><em>Iconic American RV Manufacturer Ends 2013 Up 59 Percent</em></p>
<p><a href="http://www.airstream.com/" target="_blank">Airstream</a>, the most recognized RV manufacturer in North America, and subsidiary of Thor Industries, Inc., announced a 59 percent sales increase in calendar 2013. Airstream, which manufactures travel trailers and Class B motorhomes, attributed its second year in a row of record growth to a more committed dealer network, accelerated marketing efforts and an overall industry uptick.<span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span><span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span>Sales of Airstream’s Interstate Type B motorhomes were up 51 percent year over year, while travel trailer sales increased 59 percent, putting production levels of all products at highs the company hasn’t seen since the 1970s. The demand for Airstream’s design-driven products led to the largest backlog the company had experienced in more than 30 years.</p>
<p>To support the growing demand for Airstream products, the company is increasing production and rapidly creating jobs at its Jackson Center, Ohio manufacturing plant. Airstream made numerous key hires for new positions across all areas of its business, including manufacturing, engineering, accounting, sales and more. As a result, Airstream was recently honored with&nbsp;<a href="http://www.inc.com/hire-power/list/industry/manufacturing" target="_blank">INC Magazine’s “Hire Power Award”&nbsp;</a>which recognizes companies that are driving jobs and the economy in their respective industries.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Airstream’s expanded distribution and more committed dealer network were the largest drivers for the company’s record year, which included the addition of new retailers in key markets in North America and abroad.&nbsp; With a stronger dealer network across the world, further development of markets such as China, Australia and South Korea will continue to be a priority in Airstream’s global growth strategy.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Accelerated marketing and social media initiatives also played a significant role in increased awareness of Airstream, and brand partnerships with companies like Veuve Clicquot, Levi’s and Fender drove new audiences to consider the versatility of Airstream’s products. The company also heightened its focus on social media engagement with the launch of its&nbsp;<a href="http://www.airstream.com/live-riveted/" target="_blank">Live Riveted</a>&nbsp;campaign. Live Riveted is a messaging platform that captures the excitement on which the brand was founded, and the overriding theme that connects people from all walks of life to Airstream and the travel and outdoor adventure it inspires.</p>
<p>“We are thrilled that at 82 years old Airstream is more popular than ever, and our customers, as well as leading brands across the world, continue to find new and creative uses for their Airstreams,” said Airstream President and CEO Bob Wheeler. “We anticipate another successful year in 2014 as we ramp up production and continue to gain momentum in global markets. Our international customers are keen to buy Airstreams and experience the American-made quality of our travel trailers.”&nbsp;</p>
<img src="http://track.hubspot.com/__ptq.gif?a=148654&k=14&bu=http://info.airstream.com/stories/&r=http://info.airstream.com/stories/bid/336343/2013-A-Record-Year-for-Airstream&bvt=rss">Mon, 17 Feb 2014 21:15:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:336343http://info.airstream.com/stories/bid/335721/Handle-with-care#Comments0Handle with carehttp://info.airstream.com/stories/bid/335721/Handle-with-care<p><img src="http://info.airstream.com/Portals/148654/images/1960_2.jpg" border="0" alt="1960 2" class="alignRight" style="float: right;">There is now conclusive proof that since 1931, Airstream has been hanging around the RV industry.</p>
<p>In February 1960, the Airstream Wally Byam African Caravan was embarking from Alexandria, Egypt for Beirut, Lebanon. To load our Airstreams on the passenger freighter it was necessary to use a barge with a crane.</p>
<p>A disclaimer: please don’t try this at home.</p>
<p>Our Caravan moved north from the Atlantic/Indian Ocean in South Africa and the Southern Hemisphere, to the Mediterranean and Northern Hemisphere. In the U.S.A. our rigs were loaded with land based cranes onto freighters, and unloaded with the same in Cape Town.</p>
<p>We traveled over paved highways, strip highways, washboard roads, dusty roads, muddy roads, deep sand byways, and even <em>no</em> roads. We used modern bridges, rickety bridges, and even questionable ferries to cross rivers, and then traveled down the Nile by barge.</p>
<p>Now our beloved Airstreams hang in the breeze waiting to go from dock to ship as we wait with anxiety hoping that we won’t learn if our Airstream will float or sink.</p>
<p>So ends our African segment - we then would travel through the Middle East and the Balkans, and meet the 1960 Airstream Wally Byam European Caravan in Trieste, Italy.</p>
<p>Cape to Cairo is history.</p>
<img src="http://track.hubspot.com/__ptq.gif?a=148654&k=14&bu=http://info.airstream.com/stories/&r=http://info.airstream.com/stories/bid/335721/Handle-with-care&bvt=rss">Thu, 13 Feb 2014 13:00:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:335721http://info.airstream.com/stories/bid/335024/Airstream-Expands-Coast-to-Coast#Comments0Airstream Expands Coast to Coasthttp://info.airstream.com/stories/bid/335024/Airstream-Expands-Coast-to-Coast<img id="img-1391693014160" src="http://info.airstream.com/Portals/148654/images/1956_Airstream_FB.png" border="0" alt="1956_Airstream" class="alignRight" style="float: right;">
<p>Airstream’s history began on the pages of <em>Popular Mechanics</em>. By using and improving the mail order blueprints, Wally Byam began his first Airstream in 1931. From his garage on St. Andrews Place in Los Angeles in 1931, his dream became reality. There were many factory locations before the company began manufacturing on North Main Street in Los Angeles, California.</p>
<p>In 1952, it became apparent that the Main Street plant couldn’t reach a production level to keep up with their national market and sales. The first step that Wally took was the opening &nbsp;of the Ohio factory in Jackson Center, Ohio.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The benefits were two-fold. Now Airstream had the production to meet the sales required from coast to coast. The revenues generated in Ohio allowed Wally to move from his restricted downtown Los Angeles factory to a modern expanded plant in Santa Fe Springs.</p>
<p>The California plant had one more move and that was to a state-of-the-art plant in Cerritos, California. Jackson Center Ohio expanded to their current production facility after moving from their first facility across the street.</p>
<p>This picture shows the celebration after the first Airstream rolls off the production line.</p>
<p>Wally Byam isn’t in the photograph. Why? Because he is leading the Airstream Wally Byam European Caravan!</p>
<img src="http://track.hubspot.com/__ptq.gif?a=148654&k=14&bu=http://info.airstream.com/stories/&r=http://info.airstream.com/stories/bid/335024/Airstream-Expands-Coast-to-Coast&bvt=rss">Thu, 06 Feb 2014 13:00:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:335024http://info.airstream.com/stories/bid/334676/Cruise-into-the-Land-Yacht#Comments0Cruise into the Land Yachthttp://info.airstream.com/stories/bid/334676/Cruise-into-the-Land-Yacht<p><em><img id="img-1391464861591" src="http://info.airstream.com/Portals/148654/images/Screen Shot 2014-02-03 at 4.58.41 PM.png" border="0" alt="Screen Shot 2014 02 03 at 4.58.41 PM" width="300" height="193" class="alignRight" style="float: right;">Cruise into – the</em> Land Yachts</p>
<p>Slip into the flagships of our fleet as we introduce the new Land Yachts. Breaking away from typical interior design, these units boast modern, clean lines and truly proclaim an atmosphere reflecting the world’s finest luxury watercraft.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The Land Yacht is the product of an international collaboration between Airstream, Tecnoform S.p.A., maker of fine cabinetry and the design studio of Officinia Italiana Design. &nbsp;The Land Yacht travel trailers are crafted with quality materials and equipment throughout, including boat-deck flooring, LED panel lighting elements, and Corian<sup>® </sup>solid surfaces.</p>
<p>Sail from coast to coast and around the world. Hit your every destination, in this top-of-the-line craft.</p>
<img src="http://track.hubspot.com/__ptq.gif?a=148654&k=14&bu=http://info.airstream.com/stories/&r=http://info.airstream.com/stories/bid/334676/Cruise-into-the-Land-Yacht&bvt=rss">Mon, 03 Feb 2014 21:56:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:334676http://info.airstream.com/stories/bid/334199/Three-Wise-Men-at-the-Bemidji-International-Rally#Comments0Three Wise Men at the Bemidji International Rallyhttp://info.airstream.com/stories/bid/334199/Three-Wise-Men-at-the-Bemidji-International-Rally<p><img id="img-1391090397765" src="http://info.airstream.com/Portals/148654/images/3wiseman.png" border="0" alt="3wisemen" width="400" height="314" class="alignRight" style="float: right;">The Wally Byam Caravan Club annual International Rally was held in Bemidji, Minnesota in 1963.&nbsp;</p>
<p>From left to right are Enos Axtell, the WBCCI's 9th President [1]; Hubert H. Humphrey, Minnesota Senator and future 38th Vice President of the United States; and Bob Smith, the WBCCI's outgoing 8th President [2].</p>
<p>The first&nbsp;WBCCI International Rally was held in 1958 at Bull Shoals, Arkansas. There were deep roots leading up to this first&nbsp;International Rally in the United States.</p>
<p>Wally Byam had attended International Rallies in Europe from 1953 to 1956. Until 1956, Wally was the sole representative from the United States. He was so proud to be able to raise the American flag at the events. In 1956, the entire Airstream Wally Byam European Caravan attended the International Rally in Perpignan, France. It was an open house with meeting and greeting the many European and United Kingdom trailer enthusiasts.</p>
<p>Why an International Rally in the United States?</p>
<p>Wally believed that the WBCCI had sufficient membership to do this. So he suggested it to the WBCCI Board of Trustees. The consensus? A solid vote of confidence for the American rally. The planning was turned over to the Wally Byam Headquarters, managed by Helen Byam Schwamborn. The Wally Byam Caravan Club was composed of units in Canada, Mexico and the United States. Just within the Club they were International.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Wally also saw beyond the seas and hoped that others trailer enthusiasts might come from the U.K., Europe and other nations.</p>
<p>Until the Wally Byam Caravan Club was formed in 1955, most Airstreamers met on Caravans or Airstream sponsored rallies. The Club provided Units where members could meet and join in reliving their experiences and friendships.</p>
<p>On a Caravan you might travel for several weeks and make lasting friends with someone from Georgia, and you live in Montana.</p>
<p>The annual rally provided that wonderful opportunity to renew your friendships and visit new territories.</p>
<p>The Airstream World is one built on friendships, new horizons, and adventures.</p>
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<p>[1] Enos Axtell was from Missouri and had a friendship with Harry Truman.</p>
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<p>[2] Bob Smith went on to become the most prolific Caravan Leader for Airstream</p>
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<img src="http://track.hubspot.com/__ptq.gif?a=148654&k=14&bu=http://info.airstream.com/stories/&r=http://info.airstream.com/stories/bid/334199/Three-Wise-Men-at-the-Bemidji-International-Rally&bvt=rss">Thu, 30 Jan 2014 12:00:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:334199http://info.airstream.com/stories/bid/333807/How-Brands-Used-Airstreams-in-2013#Comments0How Brands Used Airstreams in 2013http://info.airstream.com/stories/bid/333807/How-Brands-Used-Airstreams-in-2013<p align="center"><img id="img-1390857238176" src="http://info.airstream.com/Portals/148654/images/Airstream_Brand_Partner_Infographic.jpg" border="0" alt="Airstream Brand Partner Infographic" width="411" height="533" class="alignCenter"></p>
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<p align="center"><b>A LOOK BACK AT HOW BRANDS USED ICONIC AIRSTREAM TRAVEL TRAILERS IN 2013</b></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span>In 2013, chances are you probably saw an iconic&nbsp;<a href="http://www.airstream.com/" target="_blank">Airstream</a>&nbsp;travel trailer somewhere other than in a campground. That’s because the “silver bullet” trailers are becoming more popular with brands across the world using the functional and recognizable shape to activate innovative marketing campaigns.</p>
<p>Last year, Airstream partnered with brands ranging from Veuve Clicquot to Fender to Levi’s and the global (RED) ™ charity, each using the new Airstreams in different ways–</p>
<p><a href="http://www.eonline.com/news/416211/veuve-clicquot-s-tricked-out-airstream-trailer-touring-us" target="_blank"><img id="img-1390857358972" src="http://info.airstream.com/Portals/148654/images/image0011-resized-600.jpg" border="0" alt="image001 resized 600" width="288" height="172" class="alignLeft" style="float: left;">Veuve Clicquot</a>&nbsp;–The custom Veuve Clicquot Airstream&nbsp;brought together two companies whose distinctive design and loyal communities and dedication to quality are recognized worldwide. The first-ever Veuve Clicquot Airstream toured the country from March to June, bringing a taste of champagne and the brand’s signature “zeste de folie” to cities across the nation.</p>
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<p><a href="http://www.wwd.com/fashion-news/fashion-scoops/levis-mobile-gift-wrapping-service-hits-the-road-7299721" target="_blank"><img id="img-1390857530540" src="http://info.airstream.com/Portals/148654/images/image003-resized-600.png" border="0" alt="image003 resized 600" width="264" height="198" class="alignLeft" style="float: left;">Levi’s Mobile Gift Wrapping</a>&nbsp;– Levi’s Holiday Airstream made appearances at the brand’s flagship stores across the US, providing gift-wrapping services by trained gift wrappers free of charge.</p>
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<p><a href="http://www.vanityfair.com/online/daily/2013/11/red-auction-sothebys-bono" target="_blank"><img id="img-1390857414674" src="http://info.airstream.com/Portals/148654/images/image005-resized-600.png" border="0" alt="image005 resized 600" width="277" height="204" class="alignLeft" style="float: left;"></a><a href="http://www.vanityfair.com/online/daily/2013/11/red-auction-sothebys-bono" target="_blank">(RED) Auction</a>&nbsp;– The 16’ Airstream Sport trailer custom designed by Jony Ives and Marc Newson was auctioned at the Sotheby’s&nbsp;<a href="http://www.red.org/worldaidsday/" target="_blank">&nbsp;(RED)</a>™ Auction in November and raised $300,000 to fight AIDS in Africa. The Edition 01/01 Wally Byam Airstream 16’ Sport Travel Trailer features a custom interior and vintage-style wheels selected especially for this unique opportunity.</p>
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<p><a href="http://www.fender.com/news/category/fender-airstream/" target="_blank"><img id="img-1390857459155" src="http://info.airstream.com/Portals/148654/images/image007-resized-600.png" border="0" alt="image007 resized 600" width="255" height="169" class="alignLeft" style="float: left;">Fender Airstream</a>&nbsp;– This custom designed Airstream is a backstage lounge and mobile recording studio that tours the country appearing at music festivals and industry events playing host to some of the biggest names in music. The Fender Airstream is also a place to&nbsp;capture artist interviews and live performances from music festivals nationwide.<em>&nbsp;</em></p>
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<p>“This year, we’ve aligned with some of the most diverse and interesting brands across spirits, music, retail and philanthropy,” said Bob Wheeler, CEO and President of Airstream. “Throughout all of these different campaigns, the excitement surrounding Airstream and the quality product we produce remains at an all-time high. We look forward to some interesting partnerships in the works for 2014 and seeing how we can create more creative, alternative uses for our travel trailers.”<span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span><span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span></p>
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<img src="http://track.hubspot.com/__ptq.gif?a=148654&k=14&bu=http://info.airstream.com/stories/&r=http://info.airstream.com/stories/bid/333807/How-Brands-Used-Airstreams-in-2013&bvt=rss">Mon, 27 Jan 2014 21:19:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:333807http://info.airstream.com/stories/bid/333299/Roads-Where-We-re-Going-We-Don-t-Need-Roads#Comments0Roads? Where We're Going, We Don't Need Roadshttp://info.airstream.com/stories/bid/333299/Roads-Where-We-re-Going-We-Don-t-Need-Roads<p><img id="img-1390485443233" src="http://info.airstream.com/Portals/148654/images/ferry_blg.jpg" border="0" alt="AirstreamFerry" class="alignRight" style="float: right;">Wally Byam wanted Airstream owners to enjoy the world. He wanted them to experience a sense of adventure, freedom, and excitement throughout their lives.</p>
<p>Mexico, Central America, Canada, Europe, and Africa hosted Airstream Caravanners over the years.</p>
<p>The Caravanners enjoyed metropolitan cities, villages, and nomadic lands.</p>
<p>Their highways were paved, cobblestones, dirt, washboards, rocky, rutted, and sand. When there were no roads, the Airstream Caravans made it through anyway.</p>
<p>This early picture from 1951 points out that even the most primitive ferry boat couldn’t restrict the Caravan from getting through.</p>
<p>Wally was a leader. He had that unquestionable charisma and that quality that made you listen - and that encouraged everyone to make it through even the most dubious circumstances. It isn’t just a primitive barge taking you across a river, it is a memory that you will share with your grandchildren.</p>
<p>The Airstreams through the years were road-tested under harsh conditions that lead to engineering changes improving the product.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Airstreamers are fortunate in having a product that has been road tested world-wide over many decades.</p>
<p>Wally Byam believed that making improvements is the key for customer satisfaction, and a world class product.&nbsp; As a world recognized icon, Airstream has lived up to Byam’s belief.&nbsp;</p>
<img src="http://track.hubspot.com/__ptq.gif?a=148654&k=14&bu=http://info.airstream.com/stories/&r=http://info.airstream.com/stories/bid/333299/Roads-Where-We-re-Going-We-Don-t-Need-Roads&bvt=rss">Thu, 23 Jan 2014 13:00:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:333299http://info.airstream.com/stories/bid/332435/Rough-Roads-No-Problem#Comments0Rough Roads? No Problem.http://info.airstream.com/stories/bid/332435/Rough-Roads-No-Problem<div>
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<p><img src="http://info.airstream.com/Portals/148654/images/TBT_1-16_blg.png" border="0" alt="TBT_mexicobridge" class="alignRight" style="float: right;">Wally Byam stood by his Airstream. If you had an automobile that could make it over any road condition, then you could take your Airstream with you. Of course, this was the early days - before four wheel drive and heavy duty utility vehicles.</p>
<p>In planning the first Airstream Caravan in 1951, which traveled through Mexico and Central America, Wally knew the roads were going to be rough but passable. He knew that the Pan American Highway had not been completed and in Southern Mexico, the Caravan had to travel by rail on flat cars to the Guatemalan border. Wally also knew that Managua, Nicaragua was the trail's end. The Pan American Highway is non-existent into Panama.</p>
<p>When least expected, the Caravan crossed primitive and localized bridges where villagers built bridges using practical applied engineering. The above picture shows a plank bridge in Mexico.</p>
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<p>Eight years later, on the 1959 Airstream Wally Byam African Caravan, they experienced similar bridges. This created&nbsp;<em>déjà vu</em> moments from the 1st Caravan to Mexico and Central America.</p>
<p>Airstream’s pedigree includes road testing on the six continents including North America, South America, Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia. Someday, Antarctica may be included.</p>
<p>The miles accumulated by Airstream Caravans and by individual owners traveling our world confirms, what Wally Byam bequeathed us in the&nbsp;"Wally Byam Creed."</p>
<p>Wally said, "To place the great wide world at your doorstep for you who yearn to travel with all the comforts of home."</p>
<p>Enjoy, and Live Riveted!</p>
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<img src="http://track.hubspot.com/__ptq.gif?a=148654&k=14&bu=http://info.airstream.com/stories/&r=http://info.airstream.com/stories/bid/332435/Rough-Roads-No-Problem&bvt=rss">Thu, 16 Jan 2014 13:45:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:332435